What are pinworms?
Pinworms (also called threadworms) are tiny white worms that live in the gut. At night, they lay eggs around the bottom, which causes itching. Eggs get onto fingers, then onto surfaces, toys and bedding, which is how they spread so easily.
Pinworms have nothing to do with how clean your home is. They’re just very common among kids.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Pinworms and threadworms.
Common symptoms
- Itchy bottom, especially at night
- Trouble sleeping, restlessness or irritability
- Tiny white threads (about 1 cm) seen around the bottom or in poop
- In girls, sometimes vaginal itching
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will ask about the symptoms and who else in the home may be affected. They may prescribe a medication to clear the worms, usually as a single dose repeated two weeks later to catch any that hatch afterwards.
Because pinworms spread so easily, we usually recommend treating everyone in the household at the same time. We’ll also go over the cleaning steps that stop reinfection: handwashing, short nails, morning showers, and washing pajamas, bedding and towels in hot water.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Pyrantel pamoate (Combantrin)a single dose, repeated in 2 weeks
- Mebendazole (Vermox)a single chewable dose, repeated in 2 weeks
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- The child is under 2 years old
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
- Symptoms continue after two rounds of treatment
- There’s belly pain, weight loss, or blood in the stool
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.